Solid Waste Equipment Operator

Salary: $17.36 - $28.64

Job Overview

This position involves operating light to heavy equipment for Solid Waste operations, including site clean-up, traffic direction, waste screening, equipment maintenance, and the collection, processing, and transport of materials, with occasional supervisory responsibilities.

Ideal Candidate

The Hillsborough County Solid Waste Department is seeking a Solid Waste Equipment Operator (Tier 2) to operate medium to heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers and excavators at Solid Waste facilities.  The ideal candidate will have the ability to perform manual labor in outside solid waste environment, exposed to heat, sun, high humidity, rain and other adverse weather conditions.  Candidate will walk/stand for prolonged periods of time (approximately six (6) hours) per day. The job also requires frequent fine manipulations, repetitive motion, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 30 pounds, and occasional bending, crawling, climbing and stooping.

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence - Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork - Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Tier 2

Pay Band: AFSCME General

Pay Grade: CAD-AFSG04

Job Distinctions

This critical position is designed to operate heavy equipment utilized for the collection, processing and transport of solid waste at the transfer stations and Community Collection Centers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Operates heavy equipment, including front-end loaders, excavators, straight roll-off trucks, and skid steers, to support Solid Waste operations such as receiving waste, loading trailers, processing roll-off containers, and performing site clean-up activities (equipment operation is at least 75% of daily duties).
• Screens incoming Solid Waste materials at transfer stations and community collection centers, ensuring compliance with operational permits by removing unauthorized materials.
• Inspects and services assigned equipment daily to confirm safe and efficient operation; performs minor repairs and adjustments and coordinates periodic maintenance or major repairs as required.
• Conducts daily safety inspections and adheres to all safety practices, regulations, and procedures when operating or working around equipment.
• Responds as needed before, during, and after emergencies in accordance with the County’s Emergency Response Plan.
• Operates roll-off trucks to transport bulk Solid Waste materials in a variety of conditions, including constricted loading/unloading areas, unimproved roads, and heavily traveled highways, in compliance with DOT and County safety standards.
• Operates hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical auxiliary equipment associated with assigned machinery.
• Utilizes manual tools to clean equipment, assigned work areas, and grounds, ensuring proper disposal and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provides direction or guidance to lower-level operators, maintenance staff, trades helpers, or laborers on specific projects; may act as lead operator when assigned.
• Performs other related duties as required. 

Job Specifications

• Working knowledge of the operation of a variety of medium to heavy motorized construction equipment and transportation vehicles, including front-end loaders or excavators.
• Working knowledge of traffic laws and regulations applicable to the operation of motorized construction, maintenance, and transport equipment on public streets and highways.
• Ability to perform service and make minor repairs to medium to heavy motorized construction equipment and transportation vehicles.
• Ability to perform work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to perform work requiring heavy physical labor.
• Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to demonstrate good customer service skills.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• The ability to evaluate situations that may arise while operating and draw logical conclusions to solve problems.   Seeks managements guidance when unable to address an issue.
• Ability to pass DOT physical on an annual basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass DOT physical.
• Required to work in outside in all types of weather.
• Exposure to loud sounds in a waste transfer station, handle inordinate smells from trash and exposure to dirt-filled and dusty grounds.

Work Category

• Heavy Work – Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Completion of the ninth grade; AND
• Three (3) years of experience in the operation of medium and heavy construction equipment, including front-end loaders or excavators; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or attain within the probationary period; AND
• Possession of Transfer Station Spotter/Waste Screener certification or attain within the probationary period.

Emergency Management Responsibilities

In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee’s department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.